Sylvain Debord Clos de Vougeot Grand Cru 2021
Expressive aromas of red cherry, plum and violet lead to beautifully balanced palate with plush, well-integrated tannins through to a long, exquisite finish.
Planted in 1963, the plot of old vines is situated in the centre of the Grand Cru Clos de Vougeot vineyard. The hillside plot is on a gradient of around 3% and faces east which benefits from gentle morning sun, giving the grapes time to develop complexity, while cooler overnight influences bring balancing acidity. The old vines are gown in complex, stony deep clay and limestone soils and are densely planted. Cultivated according to the traditional methods, they are maintained with a large and aerated canopy for sun protection in the warmer vintages of late. They are sustainably farmed with practices such as using fresh compost from local farms to nourish the vines. General treatments include copper and sulphur, and mechanical ploughing takes place to maintain the vineyard soils. Hand harvested at optimum maturity.
Vinified following a philosophy of minimal intervention. Fermentation took place with 30% whole bunch fruit which added complexity and wild yeasts in temperature controlled stainless steel tanks lasting three-and-a-half weeks. Pump-overs took place by gravity and punch down was in the traditional manner by foot. Vinification took place without a cold soak; however the temperature was increased for the final part of fermentation. 100% maturation for 14 months in 228-litre barriques from a blend of forests in Central France, 100% new oak.
| Vintage | 2021 |
| Alcoholic strength | 14.5% |
| Country | France |
| Region | Burgundy |
| Subregion | Clos de Vougeot Grand Cru |
| Grapes | Pinot Noir 100% |
| Body | C |
| Contains sulphites | Yes |
| Vegetarian | Yes |
| Vegan | Yes |
| Milk | No |
| Eggs | No |
| Organic | No |
| Biodynamic | No |
| Closure | Diam |
Sylvain Debord is Burgundian by birth and by heart. He studied at the Lycée Viticole de Beaune in 1991, where he met many talented winegrowers including Nicolas Potel with whom he has worked since 2006. From 1994, Sylvain studied at the University of Burgundy, where he contributed to several technical research projects which continued into the 2000s. At the same time, he managed the UB Experimental Viticultural Centre in Marsannay-la-Côte, with which he still maintains regular contact. Sylvain is passionate about respecting the natural environment, cultural environments and conserving the land for future generations and he vinifies grapes from his close network of vineyard partners, which covers a mosaic of vineyards and appellations. He uses a minimalist and refined approach to produce his signature style and his wines are elegant, pure and fresh.
